Oceanside residents oppose 59-house development citing traffic and safety concerns

The Hempstead Town Board meeting held on February 4, 2025, addressed significant community concerns regarding a proposed housing development in Oceanside. Residents expressed strong opposition to the plan, which aims to build 59 new homes in an already congested area.

Cynthia Ferraro, a lifelong Oceanside resident, voiced her frustrations about the current traffic situation, highlighting the dangers posed by increased congestion on local roads. She argued that the addition of more homes would exacerbate traffic issues, particularly for emergency vehicles accessing nearby hospitals. Ferraro also raised concerns about the potential impact on property values, questioning how smaller homes could be priced similarly to her own property, which is valued at $740,000.

Another resident, Frank Wattenberg, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the proposed development would not benefit the community and would only serve to enrich a few individuals. He noted that the neighborhood already suffers from traffic problems, with side streets being used as shortcuts, leading to safety hazards.

The board acknowledged the residents' concerns, with several members indicating they had received numerous emails both for and against the project. In response to the community's feedback, the board decided to reserve their decision on the matter, allowing for further consideration and discussion.

Additionally, the meeting included a proposal for a temporary moratorium on battery energy storage system facilities, which was supported by board members due to concerns raised by residents in Island Park and Oceanside.

The board's decision to postpone the housing project vote reflects their commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring that any future developments align with the needs of local residents. Further discussions and public hearings are expected as the board continues to evaluate the implications of the proposed housing development.